Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo enjoy many of the protections available to non-LGBTQ people. Despite this, according to data from the Agência Diadorim, the number of anti-LGBTQ bills has been growing in the state.
Recognition of same-sex unions On 3 August 2012, a judge in Colatina authorized Ediana Calixto and Kamila Roccon, a lesbian couple, to register their marriage, making it the first same-sex marriage to be recognized in the state. The state Public Prosecutor's Office appealed the decision, causing the recognition of the marriage to be revoked on August 15. On September 20, the state reversed the decision and authorized the recognition of the couple.
On 15 August 2012, the General Inspectorate of Justice of the State of Espírito Santo issued a Circular Letter stating that all Civil Regestries of that State should address same-sex marriage the same way they would do it regarding that for opposite-sex couples, making it the third Brazilian State to deal with this subject in its State jurisdiction.
Gender identity and expression The Supreme Federal Court of Brazil (STF) ruled on 1 March 2018, that a transgender person has the right to change their official name and sex without the need of surgery or professional evaluation, just by self-declaration of their psychosocial identity.
On 6 June 2022, the Vitória City Council approved a bill to ban the installation of unisex restrooms in the city. The bill has not yet been vetoed or signed into law by the city's mayor.
On 14 April 2024, the Legislative Assembly of Espírito Santo approved a bill to restrict athletes' participation in competitions based on biological sex. On April 28, the bill was vetoed by Governor Renato Casagrande (PSB).
On 22 January 2025, the Public Defender's Office of Espírito Santo filed a lawsuit to secure the right to name and gender rectification for a non-binary person from Vitória. The court granted the Public Defender's Office's request and authorized the rectification.
On 27 June 2025, the Legislative Assembly of Espírito Santo, in partnership with the state Public Defender's Office, held a free event to facilitate name and gender changes on official documents for trans, non-binary, and travesti individuals.
Education In 2015, the city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim passed a law prohibiting "ideological indoctrination" in the city's schools.
On 21 June 2025, the Legislative Assembly of Espírito Santo approved a law allowing parents to prohibit their children from participating in classes on LGBTQ topics. LGBTQ rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the law in the Supreme Federal Court (STF), which began hearing the case on November 21 of the same year.
In May 2026, the Supreme Court struck down the state law by an 8–2 vote. Justice Cármen Lúcia, the case's rapporteur, stated that the law violated the Brazilian Constitution.
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